Baby Doc Duvalier timeline

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Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier in 1982. Three years later he was overthrown by a popular revoltGiovanni Coruzzi/AFP/Getty Images

Anne Barrowclough

Last updated at 3:16AM, January 17 2011

— April 1985: After protests by religious groups against Duvalier’s
leadership, bloody confrontations are sparked between anti-government
demonstrators and Duvalier’s private militia, called Tonton Macoutes.

— Nov. 27, 1985: Three students are slain by security forces in Gonaives in
the first of several bloody confrontations with anti-government
demonstrators.

— December 1985: Protests broaden across the impoverished country. Duvalier
orders significant reshuffle of his Cabinet.

— January 1986: Duvalier’s administration closes schools and universities and
forbids radio stations to report on the turmoil engulfing the country. More
than 50 people are killed in disturbances, most by Tonton Macoutes. Duvalier
declares 30-day state of siege.